Shamita Shetty has opened up on facing lows in her career, the mistakes she made. Also talks about being compared to sister Shilpa Shetty, who’s a big name in the industry and also on nepotism

Shamita Shetty made her debut with multi-starrer Mohabbatein (2000), and later the actress was seen in a few more films. But unfortunately, luck wasn’t on her side. The actress then went on to try her hands in reality TV shows. Shamita was a part of Bigg Boss Season 3, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Season 8 and the Khatron Ke Khiladi Season 9. However, her career never panned out the way it should have.

Shamita, in an interview with Bombay Times, has opened up on seeing lows more than highs in her career and also on being compared to the sister who has enjoyed immense success in the same industry. She has accepted that she did a mistake in being too choosy and said she wished she had followed the norms of the industry, which states, “out of sight, out of mind.”

“My life changed at the age of 27. I was doing well professionally and had just got out of a serious relationship. I suddenly realised that I had reached a low in my life, be it spiritually or emotionally, and started asking a lot of questions — beyond just career and relationships. It’s not like I abandoned the industry. I just felt being a part of this industry was sucking my energies out in the wrong way, because I was giving it too much importance. It was taking over my very being. It took me three years to understand my true strength. During that phase, I was not working. I was refusing the work coming my way and many people thought that I was either not interested, or that I was too arrogant and selective. However, the real reason was that I didn’t find anything interesting.” Shamita told the daily.

Shamita, while speaking about how she got too selective in her career said, “I started off with the best film, but unfortunately, my career didn’t shape up as expected, because while work came to me in abundance, it wasn’t the kind that I wanted to do. Unfortunately, in this industry, you are forgotten if you are not seen. I wish I had adhered to the rules of the industry at that time. However, this is how I’ve always been. I will never take on anything if I am not convinced about it. Even with the films that I chose, it’s not like I didn’t make mistakes, but I learnt from them and moved on. Today, I feel that I was way too selective. I wish I had done a little more work, but it was too late by the time I realised it.”

Not only this, when the actress was asked about being compared to elder sister Shilpa Shetty, she said, “Even today, many people identify me as Shilpa’s sister, but I have made peace with it. Sometimes, they even call me Shilpa, because I resemble her a bit. I don’t feel offended because at the end of the day, she is someone I aspire to be. Initially, I didn’t understand the comparisons because we are two different individuals and can’t be expected to achieve the same in life. Now, it doesn’t affect me at all.”

Shamita Shetty even cleared the air of her sister Shilpa and brother-in-law Raj Kundra taking care of her. She further added, “I’m lucky to be compared to someone who is respected for what she does and for the person she is. I am proud of that. Sometimes, there are comments on social media about how I’m being taken care of by my sister and brother-in-law, and how I have such an easy life. Let me make it clear that I take care of myself.”

The actress even agreed and said nepotism does exist in Bollywood, “It may help you enter the industry, but it’s pure luck and talent that keeps you going here. Unfortunately for me, luck was not on my side and maybe, I made a few bad decisions. But I would rather focus on the positive aspect about having a backing in the industry. People don’t cross their limits with me and I have to acknowledge that. I have seen how tough it is for a lot of girls who don’t have that kind of support in this industry.”

After being a part of different reality shows, the actress is now tired of them and might take up a new TV show. She told Bombay Times, “I think I am done with reality shows. I might take up a TV show, but not the ones that run indefinitely. I can’t see myself playing the same part for four years.”

At last, Shamita says she’s not going to stop and she will soon be seen in a film, “Now, there is so much more work. Look at the kind of roles that are being offered to actresses. I have a good film that’s going to be released this year, 'The Tenant'. This time around, I won’t be as selective. I am interested in doing good, intelligent work. If that happens, it’s great; if that doesn’t happen, that too, is fine. I just want to go with the flow.”

Image Source: Instagram/shamitashetty_official

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